A lot of pups struggle with the fourth of July fireworks. Check out our firework safety for tips on how to keep your pup safe and comfortable this holiday season.
The Fourth of July is approaching fast and is notorious for being a day that dogs go missing. Fireworks are loud and unpredictable, which frightens a lot of dogs. With these tips, you can help keep your dog safe and make them more comfortable during this time.
Before the Fireworks
It is important to give your dog exercise during the day. This can help tire her out for the nighttime festivities and help make it go faster for her. Plan time into your day that you can take your dog for a walk or do an activity she really enjoys to burn off any extra energy. Also, plan to take her out for her last potty break of the night before the fireworks start. This can help ensure she is inside and in a safe place once they begin.
If you do need to take your dog out after the fireworks have started, it’s extremely important to take her out on a leash and make sure she has a collar on with identification. This will help prevent your dog from bolting if a firework were to go off and startle her as well as help get her back home to you if she does happen to slip away.
During the Fireworks
You want to set up a safe place for your dog to be while the fireworks are happening. Create this space in a more centralized area of your home where the noise will not be as loud. If your dog is not comfortable in her crate, I would not suggest using this. You want her to feel safe and secure and if the crate doesn’t provide this feeling for her, it can add to the anxiety she is already feeling. Turn on the TV or a white noise machine to help further drown out the noise. You can offer your dog a special bone or frozen treat to enjoy during the fireworks to keep her mind occupied. Another option that can be helpful for some dogs is a Thunder Shirt. The tight pressure these shirts provide helps your dog feel safe and can add an extra layer of comfort. If you know your dog really struggles with fireworks, now is the time to talk with your veterinarian about any anxiety medication you could use during that time.
My dog isn’t afraid, is it safe for them to participate?
It is important that even if your dog isn’t afraid of fireworks, they are still in the house during them. It can be a huge safety risk to your dog and everyone around for them to be involved. Not only is the fire a safety concern, but you never know when or how a dog will react if they are startled. There are plenty of other times during the day when the fireworks are not happening for your dog to be involved in the holiday festivities with your family.
The Fourth of July can be a fun holiday for us but a scary time for our four-legged friends. It’s important to prepare early and have a plan to keep everyone safe and comfortable during this time.